Panthers S upset by ‘excessive’ drug tests
Safety Eric Reid says he’s being targeted by the NFL because of his pending collusion case after being drug tested five times since signing with the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 27. NFL
Drug screenings throughout the NFL are random, but the Panthers safety says this year for him it has been “excessive.” He says in a normal 17-week season he’s tested “maybe twice.”
Reid believes the extra tests are related to fallout from his collusion case against the NFL which alleges owners conspired to keep him out of the league because of his decision to kneel during the national anthem to protest social and racial injustice.
Reid says “this doesn’t surprise me coming from them.” The safety says he doesn’t have anything to hide since he’s never failed a drug test, but added it needs to be talked about because “it’s like stopand-frisk — it’s just wrong.” ‘No guarantee’
Coach Jay Gruden said the Washington Redskins will continue to investigate Rueben Foster’s legal problems amid the outcry from signing the linebacker following his domestic violence arrest.
Gruden added there is “no guarantee” Foster ever plays for Washington.
“We accept, obviously, the questions, but we want to let the process play out and see what happens and get to the bottom of it,” Gruden said.
Foster, 24, was arrested Saturday at San Francisco’s team hotel in Tampa and charged with one count of first-degree misdemeanor domestic violence. Washington was the only team to put in a claim for Foster after the 49ers released him Monday.
Foster reported to the team’s facility yesterday to take a physical but is on the Commissioner Exempt list and cannot practice or attend games . . . .
THE BET BOX / JIM LAZAR
New Orleans (-7) at Dallas — One tends to ‘go with the hot hand,’ though here both hands are very warm and toasty. If you can’t believe the Cowboys are in first place in the NFC East, then you can believe the Saints seem invincible right now. One of these two is due for a boot in the ... back. Saints, 28-18. The Atlanta Falcons placed defensive end Derrick Shelby on injured reserve with a groin injury.
Jag loses appeal
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette’s appeal of a one-game suspension for fighting has been denied, meaning he will sit out Sunday’s game against Indianapolis.
Fournette was suspended without pay for leaving the sideline, running across the field and punching Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson.
The Jags also could be without cornerback Jalen Ramsey Sunday. Coach Doug Marrone said he has a “high level of concern” regarding Ramsey’s availability because of a knee injury.
Darnold limited
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold was limited at practice, a positive sign after he sat out team drills since injuring his right foot more than three weeks ago.
The rookie said he was a little sore after practice, but is hopeful he will be able to play Sunday at Tennessee after missing the Jets’ past two games.
Also, the Jets placed left guard James Carpenter on IR with a shoulder injury . . . .
Eric Berry was back on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice field for the first time since early in training camp, the first step toward the star safety being ready for games after tearing his Achilles’ tendon in last season’s opener . . . . Bears backup quarterback
Chase Daniel took the snaps with the first team while Mitchell Trubisky practiced only on a limited basis because of the shoulder injury he suffered Nov. 18 against Minnesota.